Dinner And A Lesson

[morethanacrush]

A/N: I know this first chapter's short, but I wanted to post now, lol, because then I won't start to procrasinate finishing the story, and I really want to finish it. I had no idea where this fic belonged so.. my sisters voted here. lol. I hope you enjoy!

~

Minerva’s dress was the exact same one she had worn to the first Ministry celebration dinner, the dinner that celebrated Grindlewald’s fall. She hadn’t wanted to go then, and her opinion certainly hadn’t changed for this dinner – the one celebrating Harry Potter’s victory over Voldemort.

She wasn’t sure she liked the dress, as she watched its green silk fabric drape across her hips and curves in the mirror. She turned to her side, smoothing the silk down, as it hung just above her knee, showing a little more leg than she wanted to. The cut was low; also showing a little more cleavage than she wanted to, but she promised Albus she would keep tradition alive. But could he honestly believe that she wouldn’t figure it out that he liked to look at her in that dress? He was, after all, the one who had bought it for her before that first dinner.

She flipped her hair, something she wasn’t accustomed too, and the black curls fell back into place, some sliding back down her back and some settling to frame her face softly. She sighed, regretting her promise to her husband again, and glanced at her shoes. Giving another aggravated sigh, she mutter, “muggle shoes,” annoyed with the black, round toed, pump Albus had also purchased for her before that first dinner.

She grabbed her wand off the vanity in front of her, deciding that she can hold onto it the entire time. It wasn’t like she would be doing anything that would require her to set it down anyway. She stepped back from the vanity, checking herself one more time, stifling the aggravated cry caused by her believing she looked absolutely ridiculous, and turned to leave her rooms.

But before she left, she kissed her hand quickly, and lightly placed it on a picture of her and her late husband, Albus Dumbledore on their wedding picture.

“May the gods, and you darling, help me from hexing that damn minister into oblivion.” She murmured, as she stepped through the door to her rooms, and headed out to the apparition site just outside of the lovely house Albus had bought her for a wedding present.

[Trulyamused]

Oh this looks wonderful. I can't wait to read more. I just imaging everyone reaction to the dress.

Truly

[morethanacrush]

A/N: Thanks hon. lol.

~

Harry tugged at his black tie once more, trying to keep it tied – it had taken him twenty minutes to tie that tie – but loosen it just a little, so he could breathe. He wasn’t quite sure he was going to like his first Ministry dinner celebration, but he had to try. He was, after all, the great defeater of Voldemort. Harry frowned, deciding that he didn’t like that name. What was ever wrong with, Harry Potter – graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, top of his class in Defense against the Dark Arts, and third in his class in Transfiguration and Charms? Or actually, what was ever wrong with, Harry Potter? None of this, Harry Potter, the boy who lived, and the great defeater of Voldemort – twice.

Harry sighed, attempted to smooth down his unruly black hair, but it wouldn’t have it. It stuck back up, exactly the same as it was before. He frowned at himself in his full length mirror, wondering if his father had had this problem.

There was a knock at his door, and in walked Ronald Weasley, looking every bit as uncomfortable as Harry. Ron tugged at his tie as well, only his tie was no where near was well done has Harry’s. Harry chuckled and shook his head at his best friend, turning back to the mirror as Ron sat down on Harry’s bed, still looking very uncomfortable.

“This thing itches.” Ron complained, as he tugged on his tie. “And this bloody tie is too tight.”

“Then you should loosen the tie, and bought another suit.”

“Yes, thank you for the tip.” Ron shot a glare at him, as he undid his tie, and began trying to tie it himself. “I believe you were the one who told me that this one would be fine.”

“Yes, to get you to shut up about going shopping.”

“Only women go shopping – unless it’s to do with Quidditch.” Ron’s eyes lit up at the name of his favorite sport.

“Ronald, do you have any idea how incredible chauvinistic that sounded?” Hermione Granger followed in through the door, rolling her eyes at Ron’s sad attempt at tying his tie. She slapped his hands away, and tied the tie very quickly, and easily.

“I don’t know why there isn’t a bloody spell to tie those things.” Ron grumbled under his breath.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him once more, before turning to Harry, even though she was speaking to both men. “You two should hurry up before we’re late for that dinner.”

“Do we have to go?” Ron whined again, still tugging at his tie.

Hermione slapped his hands away. “It’s a celebratory dinner for Harry’s defeat of Voldemort, and we’re his friends. Of course we’re going.”

“We helped him too, and they’re not going to mention us.” Ron pointed out, childishly.

Harry agreed with him. “Exactly, and they probably won’t even mention the Order, or Professor Dumbledore, or the countless lives that were lost in this war.” Harry also pointed out.

Hermione looked at Harry. “Harry, I know they aren’t going to mention anyone but you, but this is an honor to the Ministry. They take this dinner very seriously, and if you don’t show up, they take that as an insult, and if you insult the Ministry… there’s really no chance of any of us becoming Aurors.”

“You still haven’t mentioned why we have to go.” Ron grumbled.

“I thought you wanted to be a teacher, Hermione.” Harry asked, ignoring Ron.

Hermione didn’t ignore Ron. “We’re going, because we’re not going to let him hang there by himself. It’s called moral support, Ron.” She turned to Harry. “I do, but I might apply for becoming an Auror. You know, at least get the training in anyway before I make my full decision. And I can always become a teacher later.” She answered.

Harry nodded his understanding, before Ron walked out, muttering something about needing his wand to hex someone. Hermione shook her head, and turned to Harry. “I’m going to slip out of my pajamas and into my dress quickly.” She said, turning around. She was halfway out the door, before she looked back. “Harry?” she called out softly.

Harry turned away from the full length mirror where he was tugging at his tie again. He looked at her expectantly. “Yea?”

“I’m really glad you’re still alive after all that.”

Harry smiled, deciding a joke would be best to lighten the mood. “That makes two of us.”

Hermione smiled slightly, and let out a small laugh. “Well, we’d better get going before we’re late.” And with that, she closed the door behind her.

[childminerva]

"it's called moral support"
hehe

This looks like a great fic...I can't wait to read more!

[morethanacrush]

A/N: Third one... okay....

~
Ron wasn’t at all bother that he was being forced to go a stupid Ministry dinner. He would be going with his two best friends, to support one of them as they received an honoring, and that was good enough reason to go. Even if his friend didn’t need a bloody honoring from the bloody ministry to doing something.

Ron snatched his wand off his bedroom dresser, and ran a hand through his red shaggy hair, pushing it back. There was no way he was leaving the house without his wand, especially since Death Eaters had a way of crashing large get togethers within the wizarding world.

It had been two years since they had graduated, after being persuaded by Professor McGonagall – and Ron’s mother – to stay and finish their school year. Their last school year did not disappoint their other school years, as more happened in that year as the past. The war had raged on after graduation, leaving Ron, Harry and Hermione fighting for not only their lives, but other’s lives as well, and Ron was forced to experience what loss was first hand, as he watched his brother Charlie die at the hand of a Death Eater. Through anger and devastation, Ron had killed that Death Eater and single handedly killed more than Ron cared to count.

Harry had stopped him on his rage, and it was at that point that Ron and Harry bonded over their losses to the man who called himself the Dark Lord. And it after that bonding moment, Ron realized that he was glad he had been persuaded by Harry to stay at the house with Harry and Hermione as housemates. And it was also after that moment, that Ron realized Hermione could actually become motherly – she eased up on nagging him, but still bickered with him just enough to help him feel normal.

There was a brisk knock at their front door, letting Ron know that he would be the one to get it, he heard Hermione screech from across the hall, “RON! CAN YOU GET THE DOOR?!”

Ron grumbled to himself once more, and slipped his wand into his pocket, before making his way down the stairs towards the front door. He was halfway down the stairs, when he realized that Harry was behind him. Harry shot him a grin, and Ron shot it back at him, as they hit the bottom stair.

[Trulyamused]

Now, who can that be? (grin) Bet I know.

But evil cliffie.

Truly

[morethanacrush]

A/N: Shhh don't tell. lol. Oh dear.. part four?

~

Hermione sat on her bed, staring at the dress she had just unwrapped from her aunt. It hung on her vanity mirror; glaring back at her like it was a silent duel between the two. Hermione’s arms were crossed and finger was tapping lightly on her forearm. The dress was too revealing, too tight, and definitely not Hermione’s color.

It was a pale orange; the color itself was a nice color… just not on her. The skirt of the dress was ripped to shreds, hanging to her knee. But the skirt didn’t cover her knee – no, it barely covered the top of her thigh! She had quickly taken it off, especially when she realized that it owned no back, and it barely owned a front.

Finally, Hermione decided that there was only one solution: she would put the horrific dress on, and transfigure it into someone more appropriate.

Cringing, she stepped into the evil dress once more, and keeping her eyes closed very tightly the entire time. Still not opening them, she flicked her wand, thinking of a perfect dress. Soon, she could feel the strings for straps turn into thick ones. She opened her eyes, and smiled at her reflection – perfect.

It was a tradition white dress, hanging just at her knee, with a slightly open back, and straight cut at the front. She ran her hands down the soft fabric, following it has it covered her every curve perfectly. She twirled happily on the spot, wearing her white high heeled shoes. Tonight was going to go great she thought to herself, as she fluffed her hair that was actually doing as it was told for once, which was loose curls just around her shoulders.

Hermione had to say, that despite all her insecurities, she did look very good.

As she slipped on her mother’s earrings, she began to wonder if the Minister would let them keep their temporary Auror jobs he had given them after graduation, during the war. But he had limited the arrangement to after the war was over, and then they would be expected to apply for training and then to become a full time, actual Auror. But Hermione could really see the Ministry, full of relief that the war is over, letting them keep their jobs out of good merit while they finis their training.

But that was only if the Minister was in a good mood, which meant Hermione would have to remind the boys to behave themselves, and although she was pretty confident that Harry would see reason, Ron was a completely different story.

The knock at the door interrupted Hermione’s thoughts, but she still wasn’t sure what necklace she should wear, or if she should even wear one. So instead, she yelled over to Ron, knowing that he wasn’t doing anything productive with his time, “RON! CAN YOU GET THE DOOR?!”

She knew he was grumbling, and as he passed her door, she could clearly hear him. But she recognized Harry’s footsteps following him down, and she was glad that Harry would be keeping an eye on him.

After deciding that a necklace would over do her outfit, she smiled once in the mirror, grabbed her wand as a precaution, and was just about to open her door, when she heard Ron yell out, “BLOODY HELL!”

Hoping to God that it wasn’t a Ministry official, or anyone important, she dashed out the room, and down the stairs.

[morethanacrush]

A/N: Okay the last part I'm writing today, until tomorrow... ha.

~

Minerva raised her eyebrows at Ronald Weasely, clearly unimpressed with his outburst. She quickly glanced over at Harry, who stood dumbfounded and rooted to the spot. They were both staring at her as if she was some sort of monstrosity. Sighing heavily, she slipped past the two men, stepping into the house, holding her wand with both hands. Harry had managed to close the door, and they both had managed to turn around to gape at her. Minerva narrowed her eyes at the two boys, never one to like being gaped at, and cursed her husband, even in his grave for making her do this.

Tradition her foot.

“Professor?”

Minerva looked up on the stairs to see Hermione looking slightly shocked at Minerva, but still able to speak and function properly. Minerva was thankful for that. “Hello Miss Granger.” Minerva smiled as she watched Hermione walk down the last step, and turn to face her completely. “You do look lovely, don’t you.” She fought down the pride she felt for the young woman before her, keeping it to just a simple smile.

Hermione nodded her thanks, her eyes still wide. She smiled back. “You look beautiful as well, Professor.”

Minerva almost took a step back, and it was her turn to be surprised. “Why thank you Miss Granger.” She blushed, averting Hermione’s eyes. She took a few moments to herself to gather herself up again. She was most certainly not expecting a compliment back.

“Well, now we must hurry, as we’ll be late for the dinner and I still have much to teach you.” Minerva said, slipping into teacher mode.

“Pardon?” Harry asked, finding his voice.

Minerva walked back over to the front door, and as she brushed past Ron, he seemed to snap out of his trance, repeating himself, “Bloody hell,” only a little quieter than the first time he spoke.

Minerva shot him her teacher ‘unimpressed’ look, and opened their front door. “Grab what you need, and hurry, we haven’t much time, and we already are going to be late.” She replied.

[crystalpheonixeyes]

Begin. Ahhh. You so need to update this and soon. What Minerva was refeering to was a bit lost on me, but I love this.Ron on the other hand was hilarious and I was laughing really hard, End rant. (SO rry for any miss spellings, I am so tired that I can barley read the screen.

[Trulyamused]

Well, Ron is . . . well, so Ron. I do hope for Hermione's sake she was very good at transfiguation. I'd hate to have her dress revert to its original state.

Looking forward ro what happens next. Thank you for the quick posts today.

Truly

[Trulyamused]

Well, Ron is . . . well, so Ron. I do hope for Hermione's sake she was very good at transfiguation. I'd hate to have her dress revert to its original state.

Looking forward ro what happens next. Thank you for the quick posts today.

Truly

[morethanacrush]

A/N: Thanks guys. here's todays.

~

“Late for what?” Ron asked, still in shock that his former Headmistress was in their house.

Although the three had worked with her before, those situations were never very long, and always about either the war, the Order, or that Transfiguration essay Ron claimed was sent by owl. Never had they actually had a conversation other than those situations, with Minerva McGonagall, and therefore, Ron was trying to adjust.

And not only adjust to her new… look.

Minerva stepped aside, the front door still open widely, and ushered her three former students from the house. “Late for the dinner, Mr. Weasley, now, let’s get a move on, shall we?”

Hermione followed the men out of the house, and stopped as Minerva shut the door behind them. Hermione cast a quick charm on the handle, and tilted her head to the side at Minerva. “Professor, why are you escorting us to the dinner?” she asked, politely.

Minerva’s eyes clouded over, as she muttered something about a promise to a bloody someone. She moved to step around Hermione, but Hermione, to the shock of Ron and Harry, stepped in front of Minerva. The two men stood still, eyes again wide, at the sight of Hermione actually confronting their professor.

“Well?” Hermione asked. “It’s not that I don’t want you around – it’s just that we’ve never communicated in a social context before, and now all of a sudden, you’re going to take us to the dinner?”

“I’m not just taking you to the dinner, Miss Granger.” Minerva corrected her. “I’m here to help you get a long with the ministry members. Only the gods know why Albus made me promise to do that…” she mumbled under her breath, as she stepped around Hermione, and continued walking down the path towards the trio’s apparition site.

They followed her, and eventually Harry found the more important question among a series of them in his head. “Did you say Professor Dumbledore made you promise to take us the dinner?”

Minerva stopped short of the site, turning around, annoyed with all the questions. “Yes, yes he did. Now, I am going to explain a few rules before we go.” She began.

“Rules?” Ron scrunched his nose up in a look of disgust.

“Yes, rules, Mr. Weasley, if we didn’t have rules then society would fall apart.” She answered shortly. “Rule number one – you never leave my side. I do not want to run all over the place trying to find you all. If you have someone you want to see, you will have time to see them after I’m finished with you.”

Hermione nodded, decided to trust Minerva. Minerva had never done any of them any harm. Ron, however, opened his mouth to protest, but Minerva quickly cut him off with another rule before he could say anything.

“Rule number two – you listen to every word I say, and you remember it, and you follow it.”

“We’re not in school anymore you can’t just-“ Once again, Ron was cut off by Minerva.

“And Rule number three – you will behave. I am going to be telling you very important information on these people, and you will need to know it if you’re going to be manipulating in the future. But only for when they are blind sighted by their own wants and needs.” She pointed out.

Suddenly, Ron’s look of disobedience was replaced by the troublemaking grin Minerva knew too well from the Weasley twins. She shook her head, knowing that the three would use this information for good, and not for whatever schemes are running through Ron’s head at that moment.

After she received understanding nods from all three of them, she stepped completely into the site, and apparated away to the dinner.

“What is going on?” Harry asked, as he stepped into the site with Hermione and Ron.

“She just told us, you two.” Hermione replied, annoyed. She caught their confused looks, and rolled her eyes before continuing. “Professor McGonagall is going to be showing us how her and Professor Dumbledore managed to get away with so many things from the ministry.”

“Why?” Harry questioned.

“Who cares mate, we’re going to know how to make those idiots do what we want.” Ron answered, still grinning to himself.

“Professor Dumbledore made Professor McGonagall promise to do this, right?”

“Right…”

“So he obviously thought that we would be the next generation of teachers at Hogwarts. We’re the ones he’s going to trust this information with.”

“Me? A teacher? No bloody way.” Ron said, shaking his head. “I’m refusing.”

Hermione continued to ignore Ron. “Don’t you remember how many things the school got away with when we were in school? They must have known how to handle the ministers, or the school would have been closed a long time ago.”

Harry shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense to me, Hermione, but we’d better get going before McGonagall has our heads for being late.”

“We’re already late.” Hermione replied, as the three apparated behind Minerva.

[Aurinko]

brilliant idea. it's something i'd never really thought about, but it's got to be true. it's just very sad that he's not there. wonder how long it will take the trio to figure it out this time? can't wait to hear all the dirt she's got on the ministry goons. post soon!

[kankulex]

interesting idea! And wonderfully written so far! Looking forward to more

[Trulyamused]

I agree brilliant.

Truly

[McGonagallsGirl]

Wow! I love it alot. Keep going.


Forever.

[morethanacrush]

A/N: Thanks guys for the reviews. Here's the next part. lol.

~

Minerva knew this wasn’t going to be easy the moment she stepped into her former students’ house. But she didn’t care, they were just going to have to shut up and listen to her. Albus had wanted her to do something before he ran off to his death, leaving her being barely able to breathe for months afterwards, and even thought she was still very bitter about his death and not being able to grieve like a widow should be able to, he had asked her to do something, and by the gods, she was going to do it.

Her foot slightly tapped on the stone flooring outside of the dinner hall. The music hadn’t started yet, and that was because it was customary to wait until the person they were honoring was there. Being late was not one of Minerva’s traits, so she was quickly growing impatient, knowing that the trio was probably talking about her at that moment, still back at their house.

She was about to apparate back, to give them a little push to get going again, but before she could, they all appeared in front of her, with small ‘pops’. Minerva decided to ignore their being late, and moved towards the large doors. Conversations could be heard through them; they must be the last ones to arrive, which would probably make for the grand entrance Minerva didn’t want.

She turned to them, saying, “Remember those rules; stay with me at all times.”

They nodded, and she opened the door, stepping through them, as everyone’s head turned to watch them enter the room. Ron closed the doors, being the last one inside, as everyone began clapping and cheering for Harry. Minerva braced herself, as many ministers swarmed up and began shaking his hand, completely ignoring Minerva, Hermione, and Ron. Minerva was used to it; after being such close friends with Albus – and secretly wed – she had learned that she was to be put on the back burner, or barely that, because she wasn’t the one they all wanted to speak to. Hermione and Ron, decided to ignore it as well, it seemed, as they stepped back behind Harry with Minerva, and watched him shake hand after hand.

Minerva was going to go help him, but then she thought of better of it; the boy needed to learn that what she had to offer was very important. She chastised herself, because Harry Potter was not a boy anymore – he was a young man.

Finally, Minerva thought Harry had suffered enough, and cut off the next Minister waiting to shake his hand. She smiled sweetly at him, a smile Harry, Hermione and Ron had never seen before. “Sorry Minister Wellington, but Harry can not stay long – he’s going to start training tomorrow.”

“Training of what, my boy?” Minister Wellington questioned.

Harry was stuck, but Minerva hadn’t expected him to not be. She answered for him again. “He’s training to become a potions master.”

“Ah!” The minister’s eyes came to life. “You know, I’m a potions master – got my title in only two years instead of four. I was quite –“

“Yes, well you know how much time Harry is going to need to put into his work, he won’t be as smart as you are in your field, and so if you’ll excuse us, we’ll just find our tables.” Minerva cut him off politely, before grabbing Harry’s arm, and pulling him towards a table.

Minerva wanted to throw up in her mouth after saying what she had said. Usually Albus saved her from saying some crude remark, or rude behavior, but this time, she was the one expected to do the saving. And the thought that didn’t rarely come into her mind, came back, and as she wondered why Albus was making her do this without him.

[crystalpheonixeyes]

OOO LOve this chapter, But a potions master? Okay, On with the story Please!

[Trulyamused]

Great part. But a potions master, somehow, I think not. Odds are, Minerva's just feeding the minister as story.

Looking forward to more.
Truly

[Gosuto]

I'm totally enjoying this story. XD I love when Min gets Ron to say 'bloody hell' because of her appearance.

I wonder if I'm wasting my time wishing Albus will magically come back? : (

In a world governed by magic, not even death is absolute!!

[McGonagallsGirl]

Yeah!!!!!

This is incredibly interesting. And highly entertaining.

[morethanacrush]

A/N: oh dear, this is the longest story I've written... I think I'm addicted to chapter fics now.
Thanks for your reviews, you guys are so sweet. (and I mean that in both the sugary kind, and the surfer dude kind lol)

~

Their table was off to the side, and certainly not the one with the elaborate decorations that was meant to be their table. Harry was going to question the professor, but he decided against this, promptly closing his mouth. There must be a reason for her decisions, and she had never steered them wrong before.

Ron was just pulling out Hermione’s chair for her, a gentlemanly gesture that had been pounded into his head by his mother. And as long as no one pointed it out, Ron would be just fine, and would not protest that he was just pulling it out for himself. Harry looked over, and quickly grabbed the chair Professor McGonagall was going pull out for herself. McGonagall looked over at him, with a blank look, and Harry pulled it out politely for her. As she sat down, she looked up at him with a faint look in her eye, something Harry couldn’t quite make out. She gave him her thanks, albeit quietly, and Harry took his seat between her and Ron.

There was moment of silence, in which the trio had no idea what was happening. Their professor stared blankly at the plate in front of her, which she had been doing since she gave Harry a thank you. Finally, when she looked up, Harry noticed that the look in her eyes was gone, and replaced with her normal sternness. She cleared her throat, but Hermione spoke before she could.

“Professor, why did you lie to Minister Wellington? Harry has no intentions of becoming a potions master – he hates potions.”

Minerva smiled faintly. “Because Minister Wellington is a potions master himself – barely. He only became one because his father, who also was a potions master, signed the certificate because his normal teacher refused. Our first lesson: Minister Wellington will do anything for potions masters. He’s absolutely in love with himself, which seems like a requirement to become a minister,” Minerva muttered her last statement underneath her breath, before conjuring water into the glass beside her plate and taking a sip of her water.

“If you mention that you will be teaching, helping, or say that student is attempting to get his potions master, he will give the child a break even if he’s on trial for murder.” Minerva rolled her eyes at her statement.

“So we are expected to become the next teachers at Hogwarts then?” Hermione asked, unable to hide the excited smile on her face.

“Albus thought so.” Minerva said, her voice faltering slightly.

Harry spoke up with interest. “But you don’t?” he asked.

Minerva looked Harry directly into his eye, something she had only done a few times, and Harry knew she was about to make a vital point. “I believe that you three can do whatever you wish to be, whether it is an Auror, or a teacher, or a potions master. It all depends on what dream you wish to follow. And those dreams are not chosen by myself or Albus.”

“Is this something that you two argued about then?” Hermione asked.

Harry watched her, as her eyes clouded over slightly. Minerva shook her head, replying, “I don’t wish to speak of it, it’s not the reason we’re here.”

“Well, either way, I am not going to become a teacher.” Ron declared.

Minerva shot him another faint smile. “Of course, Mr. Weasley.”

A silence came over the table, as people began to find their tables and take their seats. Harry glanced around the room, noticing that many ministers were taking second glances his way, but before they could notice it was the Harry Potter who was sitting there, Harry ducked his head out their lines of vision. As he did this, his bright green eyes met with her emerald green ones.

She smiled affectionately, before turning back to watching the ministers, and everyone get settled into their places. Harry began to wonder what had come over his Professor that night. Was it that she was happy Voldemort was gone? No, Mrs. Weasley always said she was stern. But for some reason, tonight there was something different, something Harry couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Harry tried to ask Hermione discreetly what he was thinking, when he finally met her pretty brown eyes, but she didn’t seem to understand what he was trying to ask. When Harry finally gave up, he noticed a certain minister step out from a group, and make his way over to their table. Wanting to know more before the professor completely took over, Harry leaned over and asked quietly, “Who is this minister coming towards us?”

Her eyes narrowed on to the man coming towards them, and she gave an aggravated sigh, before replying loudly so Hermione and Ron could hear, “He won’t be interested in talking to you for very long.”

“Minerva!” The man placed his hand on her shoulder, his fingers subtly fingering with the green straps.

She jerked her shoulder away from him, resettling herself in her chair, sending him a glare from where he stood behind her. She turned her back to him. “What do you want, Gregory?” she asked, non to polite.

“I wanted to introduce myself to the infamous Harry Potter!” he replied, obviously not catching Minerva’s tone of voice.

Harry had decided that if his professor didn’t like this man, then he probably wouldn’t either. Nonetheless, Harry forced a smile, and shook Gregory’s offered hand.

“Who are your charming friends here?” Gregory asked, barely flashing Hermione and Ron a glance, before his gaze returned to Minerva.

“This is Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.” Harry introduced them.

Gregory snapped out of his reverie, and smiled at Ron, who shook his hand not even bothering to smile. His gaze drifted over to Hermione, and he smiled. “Hermione was it? Don’t you look lovely this evening…” he took her hand, and kissed it gently.

Hermione was never one to receive compliments from anyone, other than her friends and family. She blushed deeply, as a man she barely knew complimented her. Harry and Ron immediately realized they didn’t like this man one bit.

“I think they’re being to start the dinner, Gregory, better find your seat.” Minerva said, her voice dripping with venom.

Once again, Gregory didn’t notice anything except for her words. “Well, I guess I’d better get going. But don’t miss me too much, I’ll be back for a dance.” He winked, before making his way back to his table.

[furandfeathers]

ooooh...I don't like him. Was he possibly a Slytherin?

Great update! Can't wait for more!

[McGonagallsGirl]

Don't worry. We're addicted to chapter fics, too!

[Gosuto]

...A Slytherin?
That was just uncalled for. T_T
He seems more like Lockheart than... evil.


Anyway... I don't think I like this man either... Minerva should have slapped him for touching her straps.

P.S.
I'm kidding about the first part. XD Well, not about him being like Lockheart more than 'evil'.

[morethanacrush]

A/N: lol, no... he was going to be a Slytherin, but my sister(not my little one, my twin) made me... uh... see the light on the situation. (she's a Slytherin lmao). lol. But honestly, I have to agree with Ketseki - he is more like Lockheart than 'evil'. lol.

~

After Gregory left the table, an awkward silence fell over the table. Minerva refused to look any one of them in the eye, as she fiddled underneath the table with the deep red cloth. The hall had quieted down considerably from when they first entered, as they all changed the subject from Harry Potter’s great defeat, over to a trivial topic that none of them really cared about. Water had appeared in everyone’s first glass, topping up those who had already conjured their own. Wine appeared as well, in the middle of the table, red and white, waiting to be opened.

Harry had grown tired of the silence, and after having been given very strange encouraging looks from Hermione to speak with their professor, Harry spoke up. “Who was that, Professor?”

Minerva looked over to Harry from watching Cornelius Fudge make his way through the tables to the head of the room, where he would give a speech. Her eyes hardened. “Gregory Yates. He was a Ravenclaw; he was in my year at Hogwarts. He has a thing for Quidditch and Quidditch players, so you two,” she gestured towards Harry and Ron, “should be able to bluff your way through meetings with him.” She finished.

“Oh.” Ron said. Harry looked over at him, and Ron shrugged.

“The key to getting along with the ministers, or any wizard who fancies themselves important, is to find out what their weakness is, and appeal to that weakness.” Minerva said, turning so her full attention was on the trio. They all moved closer to the table to be able to hear their professor. “Other than that, if you’re starting off from scratch, then you just have to deal with them the way most women deal with men.”

Ron and Harry frowned, while Hermione scooted her chair closer to the table. Minerva continued to look as serious as if she was teaching one of her classes. “You have to plant an idea in their head, and make them think they came up with the idea.” She finished, taking another sip of her water.

Ron opened his mouth to protest, but Hermione elbowed him in the ribs, and gave him a look that made him notice Fudge was about to start speaking. When Ron looked back at Harry to give him an annoyed look to share at Fudge, he noticed Minerva taking a bottle of red wine, and pouring herself a generous glass of it. She took a gulp of it just as Fudge started speaking. Ron suppressed a laugh.

“I would like to welcome you all here tonight, in an honoring of Mr. Harry Potter, and in celebration of his defeat of the Dark Lord!”

[Trulyamused]

I do believe she going to need more than one glass before this night is though.

Great part.

More soon. Please,

Truly

[furandfeathers]

Sorry about that Slytherin crack..couldn't resist

I love this story! I'm so interested in finding out more about this Yates person. Update soon!

[Gosuto]

A small win for Slytherins everywhere. XD

Haha, I'm loving this story. Update soon!

[crystalpheonixeyes]

So can't wait for an update. The comment about planting ideas in their head and make them think that they came up with it was perfect. The reactionof Ron was pretty funny as well.